The Facts, Please
A study conducted by Brown University demonstrates that women who meditate three times a week show greater decreases in emotions like guilt or irritability than men. Moreover, women had greater increases in mindfulness and self-compassion. In addition, meditation kept women from blowing negative feelings out of proportion.[1] One of the study’s authors, Rahil Rojiani, points out that women are more apt to go down a rabbit hole and fixate in response to stress, while men find ways to be distracted. This may be why women have more anxiety and depression. Rojaini believes meditation can help women decrease negative emotions.
Spoiler Alert: Women are Stressed!
Medical and wellness experts agree that chronic stress can cause your body to release cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. Unfortunately, cortisol can cause serious health problems ranging from high blood pressure to decreased immunity and cognitive function. Because women are often more stressed than men, they can experience greater results from meditation. It’s as simple as saying, “Ohm!”
It’s All about Focus
Here’s another spoiler alert–ha! Women have a lot of distractions and responsibilities. We may work and care for children at the same time. Or we may care for an aging relative or parent. And if we are stay-at-home-moms, we’re charged with being a full-time parent, chauffeur, camp counselor, chef and overall domestic goddess. According to a study in the Journal of Neuroscience[2], people who consistently practice meditation can improve mental focus and quiet brain activity.
